TIRANA, June 6 – European Union and Western Balkan leaders meet in Tivat for the Western Balkans–EU summit. They focus on speeding up enlargement and advancing reforms across candidate countries.
Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa says enlargement remains merit-based, but he adds that the process must become faster and more visible. In addition, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says enlargement brings security, prosperity, and a stronger global role for the European Union, while stressing that reforms remain essential for progress.
At the same time, Costa urges Western Balkan countries to use the current momentum and accelerate reforms, reaffirming the European Union’s commitment to enlargement. Meanwhile, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama calls for a more ambitious European Union approach. He says Western Balkan countries should remain at the table with the European Union, each with its own status until full membership.
The summit takes place amid wider geopolitical tensions. The European Union views enlargement as a response to global challenges, including growing influence from Russia and China in the region. In addition, international media report that candidate countries are expected to support a new Franco-German initiative aimed at accelerating the accession process.
/a.p./
The post Western Balkans – EU summit in Montenegro pushes for faster enlargement and reforms appeared first on RTSH English.
